Generating Final Samples

The purpose of this week was to start producing samples for my final collection of fabrics. Utilising my time efficiently has been a key aspect this week as I was able to create samples and depict which ones work well as a collection, giving myself time to refine and develop further final samples for the last week of the unit. Finding the exact colours in the right types of yarn has been crucial as I want my fabrics to be of good quality and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. I have decided to use cotton and wool as they are dependable and easy to work with.

The main technique that appears in all of my final samples is intarsia as it proved to be the process that best explains my concept. This technique has allowed me to vary the backgrounds of my knit, making it possible to contrast the pastel colours with the darker tones without having a stripe of colour along the width of the fabric. The weakness of the samples that include e-wrapping with mohair is that after steaming the tassels lose their volume and become very flat, therefore I shall continue by using mercerised cotton to create a textured surface. 

My aim is that every individual sample has something different to portray in order for the collection as a whole to be varied. In order to improve the samples I am currently producing I need to make more connections between the work in my sketchbook, not being afraid of including large blocks of colour side by side with the intricate intarsia work as I have done so in my drawings.  

Throughout the week I have been evaluating the samples I have created, laying them out and assessing what the next sample should include in order to have a collection that reflects every aspect of my concept and context. The idea behind the collection is that some of the samples will be very loud and textured, whilst others will be more refined, giving a deliberate contrast that links back to my concept of visualising sound. 

Leutton Postle A/W 11

The luxury knitwear label Leutton Postle has been an inspiration for my own practice throughout this unit and furthermore has influenced my final collection of fabrics. Their adventurous and experimental use of techniques and processes succeed to create elaborate pieces that has transformed the way I interpreted knitwear, therefore giving me the confidence to generate samples that are bold and exciting by using a variation of skillful techniques.